Identification of Structurally Novel KRASG12C Inhibitors through Covalent DNA-Encoded Library Screening

David Huang, Francesco Manoni, Zhen Sun1

  • 1Department of Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen Asia R&D Center, Amgen Research, 4560 Jinke Road, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, P. R. China.

PubMed

Insights

Researchers developed a novel DNA-encoded library (DEL) to screen millions of compounds for KRAS G12C inhibitors. This approach identified potent covalent inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Oncology
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • Covalent inhibition of KRAS G12C is a key strategy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • Traditional screening methods for KRAS G12C inhibitors are limited by library size and diversity.
  • DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology offers a powerful platform for screening vast chemical spaces.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To design and synthesize a covalent DEL for screening against KRAS G12C.
  • To identify novel, potent, and selective covalent KRAS G12C inhibitors.
  • To evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of identified inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a covalent DNA-encoded library.
  • Screening of approximately 16 million compounds against KRAS G12C.
  • Hit identification, validation, and structure-based optimization.
  • In vitro and in vivo evaluation of inhibitor efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Successful design and synthesis of a covalent DEL.
  • Identification of a series of structurally novel covalent KRAS G12C inhibitors.
  • Demonstration of potent and selective inhibition of KRAS G12C.
  • Favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and promising in vivo pharmacodynamic effects.

Conclusions:

  • Covalent DEL screening is an effective strategy for discovering novel KRAS G12C inhibitors.
  • The identified inhibitors represent promising candidates for NSCLC treatment.
  • This approach accelerates the development of targeted cancer therapies.